Thank you Mr. Benson!

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Saints Super Bowl ring raffle raises $500,000
Posted by Michael David Smith on June 29, 2010 4:40 PM ET
The New Orleans Saints announced today that they've raised nearly $500,000 for those affected by the BP oil spill by selling ...

Saints Super Bowl ring raffle raises $500,000
Posted by Michael David Smith on June 29, 2010 4:40 PM ET
The New Orleans Saints announced today that they've raised nearly $500,000 for those affected by the BP oil spill by selling raffle tickets for a genuine Super Bowl ring.

"We are pleased to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an official New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV ring," Saints owner Tom Benson said in the team's statement. "This opportunity will allow a fan to share in the greatest moment in our team's rich history and the culmination of our place in the NFL record books as champions. And better yet, it allows the individuals, families and small businesses that are dealing with the fallout of the largest environmental catastrophe in the history of the United States to once again have the promise that people care about them and their futures."

Although BP is supposed to be cleaning up its own mess, the Saints stepped up with this fundraiser to pick up the slack. The ring was donated by Tiffany and Co. and is identical to the rings Tiffany made for players, coaches and staff on the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.

The raffle will be open until September 9, and the winning ticket will be drawn that day and announced during the Saints' season opener against the Vikings. Tickets can be purchased at Saints Gulf Coast Renewal Raffle.